We present a new representation of the Mallows permutations to stable matchings on a random bi-partite graph. We also derive new results for the scaling limits of the cycles in the Mallows permutations in terms of the Ethier-Kurtz diffusion.

Title: The Inverse Eigenvalue Problem of a Graph
Speaker: Leslie Hogben, Iowa State University and American Institute of Mathematics
Date and time:
22 Mar 2018,
3:30pm -
4:20pm
Location: HSD A264Read full description

Inverse eigenvalue problems appear in various contexts throughout mathematics and engineering, and refer to determining whether or not there is a matrix with a prescribed structure (e.g., tridiagonal) and prescribed spectral property (e.g., having a given nullity, or having few distinct eigenvalues). For a given graph G, the associated matrices are real, symmetric, and have off-diagonal nonzero entries exactly where G has edges. The inverse eigenvalue problem of G (abbreviated by IEPG) is to determine the collection of all possible spectra (multisets of eigenvalues) for such matrices. Inverse eigenvalue problems and the background of this problem will be described, together with techniques such as the fundamental work of Colin de Verdière and the Strong Arnold Property. Two recent extensions of the Strong Arnold Property that target a better understanding of all possible spectra and their associated multiplicities will be presented; these are referred to as the Strong Spectral Property and the Strong Multiplicity Property. Applications of these properties to the inverse eigenvalue problem of a graph will be discussed, including the solution of IEPG for all graphs of order at most five.

A key measure of the maturity and quality of a scientific community is how it judges and values accomplishments and (or versus) scholarship. To address this question, I will describe the motivation or drive for accomplishments and/or scholarship at three levels: inspiration, aspiration, ambition. They represent different (but not necessarily exclusive) mindsets or modi operandi. I will use several prominent examples in statistics history to explain or illustrate the acts of inspiration, aspiration, and ambition. They include: Pearson’s arguments with Fisher and with Yule, some breakthrough work of Fisher, Neyman, Tukey, Box, Efron, etc. Then I will share some thoughts on what are good or bad mathematical statistics work. Throughout this talk, I will use the “lens” of inspiration, aspiration, and ambition in making my examinations, remarks and suggestions.

C. F. Jeff Wu is Professor and Coca Cola Chair in Engineering Statistics at the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. He was the first academic statistician elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2004); also a Member (Academician) of Academia Sinica (2000). A Fellow of American Society for Quality, Institute of Mathematical Statistics, of INFORMS, and American Statistical Association. He received the COPSS (Committee of Presidents of Statistical Societies) Presidents’ Award in 1987, the COPSS Fisher Lecture Award in 2011, the Deming Lecture Award in 2012, the inaugural Akaike Memorial Lecture Award in 2016, the George Box Medal from Enbis in 2017, and numerous other awards and honors. He has published more than 170 research articles and supervised 45 Ph.D.'s. He has published two books "Experiments: Planning, Analysis, and Parameter Design Optimization" (with Hamada) and “A Modern Theory of Factorial Designs” (with Mukerjee).

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases transmitted to humans from vertebrate animals. Many of these diseases originate from a viral pathogen and are associated with spillover from wildlife. Viral pathogens represent a large proportion of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, e.g., coronaviruses, ebolaviruses, hantaviruses. Some well-known and new mathematical results from Markov chain and branching process theory on probability of and time to disease emergence or to disease extinction are summarized in the context of SIR epidemic models and multi-group models with one group being the animal source. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for public health intervention and for control of zoonotic infectious diseases.

SUMS Pi day celebration and triathlon

Happy Pi Day!
Celebrate with #UVicScience and Food Services at a pie pop-up shop on Wednesday, where they'll be giving away 314 pieces of pie at 3:14pm by the #UVicScience Petch fountain!
And SUMS (Students in Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics) will be hosting a math competition and party in HSD A264 starting at 2pm. See http://www.math.uvic.ca/~sums/

March 14 is Pi Day!
Celebrate with #UVicScience and Food Services at a pie pop-up shop on Wednesday, where they'll be giving away 314 pieces of pie at 3:14pm by the #UVicScience Petch fountain!
And SUMS (Students in Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics) will be hosting a math competition and party in HSD A264 starting at 2pm. See http://www.math.uvic.ca/~sums/